Savage Model 99A Series A 99-A 99 .243 Win 22″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1978
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 220516MK001
Make: Savage Arms
Model: 99A Series A
Serial Number: C743763
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle. This is a solid frame model.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “SAVAGE” followed by “MODEL 99A SERIES A / WESTFIELD, MASS., U.S.A.” and “CAL. 243 WIN.”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The top of the barrel behind the rear sight and chamber have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The aftermarket front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a ramped riser fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is an aftermarket Williams sliding “U” notch the barrel. The top of the receiver has two pairs of drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, schnabel tip, and a serrated steel buttplate. There are some minor compressions and draglines. There are some light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered nicks, finish loss on the edges, and some oxidation. The stocks rate in about Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is a scratch on the bottom of the receiver. There are a few little spots of oxidation, some of the most noticeable are on the lever at the rear and top of the barrel towards the front. There are a few tiny spots of thinning. There are some scattered light handling marks. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Savage 1899/99 model rifles have quite a history. They were preceded by the Model 1895, which was the first hammerless lever-action rifle produced. A hammerless action was useful as it reduces the lock time, allows the rifle to be fired more accurately and is less likely to jam in brush or snag in clothing. The 1895 and 1899/99 models used a rotary magazine to hold the cartridges, using a spring-loaded spool with grooves. The 1899/99 models added a counter to the spool to indicate how many rounds are loaded. This design allowed the use of spitzer bullets, which could not be used in the Winchester rifles of the times because the pointed tips in the tubular magazines could cause an accidental discharge. This gave Savage a lead in producing rifles that could handle high-velocity smokeless powder cartridges with bullets offering flatter trajectories than other lever-action designs. This is a Model 99A Series A with smooth walnut stocks with a straight grip and a 22″ barrel. This sharp rifle is a nice find for the Savage 99 collectors. If the collectors don’t pay enough attention, this will make a great deer rifle for next season. Please see our photos and good luck!